Charlie Chan: New Developments/Cecile's Story (EP4756)

Summary

The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio | Daily Mystery Dramas Episode: Charlie Chan: New Developments/Cecile's Story (EP4756) Release Date: July 15, 2025 Host: Adam Graham

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Introduction

In episode EP4756 of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio, host Adam Graham delves into the gripping continuation of the Charlie Chan mystery, titled "New Developments/Cecile's Story." Set in the historic Pine View estate, this episode unravels complex character dynamics, emerging evidence, and the relentless pursuit of truth by the esteemed Honolulu detective, Charlie Chan.

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Plot Overview

The episode centers around the perplexing murder case involving Ellen Landini and Dr. Swan at Pine View. With a broad array of suspects—including both guests and servants—all possessing clear motives and opportunities, Detective Chan faces the daunting task of deciphering the tangled web of deceit.

Evidentiary Breakthroughs

Charlie Chan engages in a strategic discussion with Sheriff Holt about the primary suspect, AH Singh. Despite circumstantial evidence heavily pointing towards Singh, Chan refrains from an immediate arrest, recognizing the potential for a rushed verdict:

• Charlie Chan (00:03:47): "You see, Sheriff, we could arrest AH Singh and there is no question in my mind but that the average jury would return a verdict of guilty against him."

This cautious approach underscores Chan's commitment to justice, ensuring that all possibilities are thoroughly explored before making a definitive move.

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Key Discussions and Insights

Reevaluating Suspects

Sheriff Holt challenges Chan's inclination to exclude other suspects by highlighting the overlap of evidence against multiple individuals:

• Sheriff Holt (00:04:08): "But you said yourself that any smart lawyer would make our testimony appear pretty flimsy."

Chan counters by emphasizing that the prevailing motive connecting both murders—Landini's and Swann's—cannot reasonably implicate all suspects simultaneously, especially given the unique circumstances of each case.

Unveiling Hidden Truths

A significant turning point occurs when Sheriff Holt's father, Sam Holt, reveals a critical oversight regarding AH Singh's involvement:

• Sam Holt (00:05:44): "Seems, Mr. Chan, that I was a better detective than I wanted to be."

This confession unveils that previously dismissed evidence against Singh was, in fact, more substantial than initially considered, prompting a reevaluation of the case dynamics.

Cecile's Confession

The subplot involving Cecile, whose mysterious behavior raises suspicions, reaches a climax as she confesses to seeing someone lurking in the backstairs during the night of the murder:

• Cecile (00:21:32): "That night I have feeling of someone in my room. I wake, switch on light, no one is there. I hear backstairs creak. I open door, take one quick look. I see someone. Then I go back to bed."

Her fear and partial disclosure add layers to the investigation, compelling Chan to confront her about withholding vital information.

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Character Insights

Charlie Chan

Chan remains the epitome of diligence and moral integrity. His methodical approach ensures that every stone is unturned, even when faced with societal and legal pressures to close the case swiftly.

• Charlie Chan (00:25:28): "An ancient Chinese saying has it that one cannot tell by looking at a basket whether it contained rubbish or precious stone. So it is with man."

This philosophy guides his interrogation techniques, encouraging a deeper understanding of each character's true nature beyond superficial judgments.

Sheriff Holt

Sheriff Holt's internal conflict and eventual acknowledgment of prior mistakes highlight the human element within law enforcement, showcasing the challenges faced when reconciling personal biases with professional responsibilities.

Cecile

Cecile's fear and reluctance to divulge information initially position her as a potential suspect. However, her eventual confession reveals a more complex scenario, suggesting motives driven by fear rather than direct involvement.

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Notable Quotes

• Charlie Chan (00:07:20): "We accumulate facts, and facts point to inevitable conclusion. Truly, it is said that never yet was there a tree so big that its bark cooked rice."

• Sheriff Holt (00:16:04): "Why did you question Sheriff about fact of our Singh's glasses being broken? You knew that murderer was person of poor eyesight."

• Cecile (00:21:06): "I see someone. Then I go back to bed."

• Charlie Chan (00:25:28): "Outward appearance is not indication of whether he is honest or dishonest. That is something only to be learned by critical observation."

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Host's Commentary and Listener Engagement

After the narrative segments, host Adam Graham provides insightful commentary, analyzing the unfolding mystery and speculating on the motives and truths behind each character's actions. He draws parallels between Charlie Chan's investigative style and that of famed mystery writers like Agatha Christie, highlighting the timeless nature of such storytelling.

Graham also addresses listener feedback, particularly concerning the portrayal of Charlie Chan and the historical context of certain characterizations. He acknowledges the complexities of evaluating older works through a modern lens, appreciating the series' depth in exploring racial and identity issues that were ahead of its time.

• Adam Graham: "I think it's possible to just acknowledge that, but still see what is really good and beautiful about the series and what made it popular and caused it to connect with audiences and causes it to connect to certain audiences to this day."

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Conclusion and Forward Look

The episode concludes with unresolved tensions and a promise of further revelations in upcoming installments. Charlie Chan's unwavering dedication to uncovering the truth sets the stage for continued suspense, leaving listeners eager for the next chapter in the Landini murder case.

In the final moments, the episode teases future developments and encourages audience interaction, reinforcing the podcast's role as a beloved conduit for classic mystery dramas.

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Final Thoughts

"Charlie Chan: New Developments/Cecile's Story" masterfully blends intricate storytelling with deep character explorations, all while maintaining the suspense and allure that defines old-time radio mysteries. Through meticulous attention to detail and thoughtful commentary, Adam Graham ensures that both longtime aficionados and new listeners remain captivated by the enduring legacy of Charlie Chan.

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Transcript

[Charlie Chan]

Sam.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome to the Great detectives of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, Adam Graham. In a moment, we're going to get into this week's episode of Charlie Chan and I want to encourage you to check out the Old Time Radio Snack Wagon where we serve up helpings of old Time Radio goodness in snack sized bites for your listening enjoyment. With 90 episodes in the can, we've done a little bit of everything from family dramas to the sort of news and commentary that would be a precursor to Paul Harvey comedy and some really rare and interesting music. And if you subscribe to the podcast, this summer we'll be serving up some of our best episodes from our first season with our second helpings. Check it all [e-mail] well, now here is new developments and Cecile's story, the.

[Narrator]

Most delightfully fascinating character in the realms of mystery. Charlie Chan. Never in his long career has Charlie Chan, the Honolulu detective, faced such a baffling mystery as that involving the murder of Ellen Landini and Dr. Swan at Pine View. All the guests and all the servants had ample motive in the eyes of the law, and each in turn had opportunity. Suspicion, however, is more definitely pointed at AH Singh than at any of the others. But Charlie Chan dislikes to arrest AH Singh at the present, and he explains his reasons to down holt the sheriff as they sit before the study fire.

[Charlie Chan]

You see, Sheriff, we could arrest AH Singh and there is no question in my mind but that the average jury would return a verdict of guilty against him. Men have been convicted on much less circumstantial evidence than we can present.

[Sheriff Holt]

But you said yourself that any smart lawyer would make our testimony appear pretty flimsy.

[Charlie Chan]

Yes, Sheriff, I did that. But I am convinced that the jury would return a verdict of guilty.

[Sheriff Holt]

Yes, I suppose you're right, Inspector.

[Charlie Chan]

Yet you must admit, Sheriff, that almost the same evidence, if sufficiently pointed by a prosecuting attorney, could be led against Romano, Swann, Ryder, Cecile and I think.

[Sheriff Holt]

But Swann being murdered.

[Mr. Holt]

Oh, I see.

[Sheriff Holt]

It would be easy to show that Swann killed Landini. That would leave us with a solving.

[Charlie Chan]

Of Swann's murder direct, Sheriff. But in The Swann murder, Ms. Beaton, Mr. Ryder, Romano, Mr. Ward, Mr. Beaton all have each other for alibi witnesses. Cecil island and AH Singh are the three left when one considers the Swan murder by itself.

[Sheriff Holt]

Well, isn't that the sensible thing to do?

[Charlie Chan]

No.

[Sheriff Holt]

Why not?

[Charlie Chan]

Because it does not include the all important motive. The motive which could account for the killing of Madame Landini cannot by any Stretch of the too easily stretched imagination be applied to the killing of Dr. Swann.

[Mr. Holt]

Come in.

[Charlie Chan]

Ah, Mr. Holt. Honored indeed. You will sit here beside the window.

[Mr. Holt]

Yes, thank you. Yes, Mr. Chan.

[Ms. Beaton]

I thought you'd want Mr. Holt up here. I'll go and talk to Cash Shannon. That is, if you don't require me.

[Mr. Holt]

Yes, Ms. Beaton. You run along and let Cash amuse you for a while.

[Ms. Beaton]

See you all later then.

[Sheriff Holt]

What's the idea, dad?

[Mr. Holt]

Mainly, son, that I got something to tell you that I didn't want anyone else to hear.

[Sheriff Holt]

Important.

[Mr. Holt]

Yes, son. Seems, Mr. Chan, that I was a better detective than I wanted to be.

[Charlie Chan]

Yes, Mr. Holt.

[Mr. Holt]

You remember the fuzz I found on.

[Sheriff Holt]

The chair from that blue blanket Arseng fetched for Landini's dog?

[Mr. Holt]

Yeah. We alibi Aar Singh out of that fix by remembering that our Singh fetched the blankets that night we took Landini's body to the county seat.

[Sheriff Holt]

Yeah. I sent our sing for those blankets myself.

[Mr. Holt]

Yeah, and we gave our sing the benefit of the doubt. You remember we said that he laid the blankets down on the chair after Landini was killed?

[Charlie Chan]

Yes, Mr. Har. Otherwise, much as we wished to avoid it, we were faced with the necessity of recognizing that AH Singh had carried the blanket into the room before Landini's murder. A fact which AH Singh vigorously denied.

[Mr. Holt]

Ah Singh lied. I spoke to the doctor, and he said that that night when they got ready to move the body and Don here sent our Singh for the blankets, that he, the doctor, took the blankets from our Singh at the study door.

[Charlie Chan]

Then AH Singh never had opportunity of placing blanket on arm of chair after landini murder?

[Mr. Holt]

No, Mr. Chan, he did not.

[Sheriff Holt]

Well, kind of looks like that was that.

[Charlie Chan]

Unfortunately, yes. We accumulate facts, and facts point to inevitable conclusion. Truly, it is said that never yet was there a tree so big that its boar cooked rice. We move step at a time, but we reach eventually the end of the road.

[Sheriff Holt]

Makes me sort of sick. I. I think I'll go outside.

[Mr. Holt]

Very well.

[Charlie Chan]

Very well, Sheriff.

[Mr. Holt]

See you before you leave. Dad. Yes, son. Oh, Mr. Ryder. Yes, Chan.

[Mr. Ryder]

In the study.

[Charlie Chan]

Come in, Mr. Ryder.

[Mr. Ryder]

I thought this might interest you. Chan.

[Charlie Chan]

Yes, Mr. Ryder.

[Mr. Ryder]

A telegram from my man.

[Charlie Chan]

You're 45. In top drawer of desk in library. Signed Simmons.

[Mr. Ryder]

And for your information, I've never owned more than 145.

[Charlie Chan]

Thank you, Mr. Oh, since you're here, one question, please.

[Mr. Ryder]

Yes?

[Charlie Chan]

Why did you try to throw blame for murder upon AH Singh?

[Mr. Ryder]

What?

[Charlie Chan]

Why did you question Sheriff about fact of our Singh's glasses being Broken? You knew that murderer was person of poor eyesight. And you deliberately brought up fact that Singh's glasses were broken.

[Mr. Ryder]

I wasn't trying, as you say, to throw the blame on anybody. I asked Dar Sing if he still read English. I held a book up for him to read and he told me he'd broken his glasses. I asked Dudley to see about getting them fixed. That day in Reno, when you went to interview Ms. Meecher.

[Charlie Chan]

That's all I.

[Mr. Ryder]

Why, if I thought Ah Singh were guilty, I'd try to shield him.

[Charlie Chan]

He's.

[Mr. Ryder]

Well, he's one of the real Chinese singers.

[Charlie Chan]

Quiet, Mr. Ryder. I have great respect and admiration for Ah Singh. He is, as you say, one of the real Chinese. Mr. Holt. My arm. We shall go downstairs.

[Mr. Holt]

Thank you, Mr. Chan.

[Charlie Chan]

Ah, I see, Mr. Romano, you're going down for lunch, Mr. Romano.

[Mr. Romano]

Yes, Mr. Chen, but I was going to speak to you first. Mr. Chen, can you not arrange that I leave this place? I can always be reached.

[Charlie Chan]

I'm afraid, Mr. Romano, that that is something which rests with the sheriff.

[Mr. Romano]

But the Sheriff. We know Mr. Chan. He will do what you advise. I am wasted time here. I know nothing of this affair. I cannot help.

[Charlie Chan]

I am so sorry, Mr. Romano. The decision lies with Mr. Holt, the sheriff.

[Mr. Ryder]

Here's the sheriff now, Romano, Why don't you ask him?

[Mr. Romano]

But what is the use? I know the answer.

[Charlie Chan]

No.

[Mr. Holt]

Never anything about no.

[Charlie Chan]

No.

[Cecile]

Monsieur Chen. Monsieur Chan, I telegram for you.

[Charlie Chan]

Thank you, Cecile. Oh, by the way, Cecile, have you not forgotten something?

[Cecile]

No, Monsieur Chen, not a single thing that I can think of.

[Charlie Chan]

Something about not sleeping and seeing someone creeping down the back stairs.

[Cecile]

Mr. Ward he tell you?

[Charlie Chan]

Mr. Ward? Mr. Ward has said nothing.

[Cecile]

Then how does Monsieur know?

[Charlie Chan]

How I know makes little difference. After lunch, Cecile, I shall expect to see you in the study.

[Cecile]

Oui, Monsieur.

[Charlie Chan]

Be prepared to give me a complete explanation. That will be all. Thank you so much.

[Mr. Holt]

Kinda took the wind out of her sails, that did, Mr. Chand.

[Charlie Chan]

Yes, Mr. Holt. Mr. Sheriff, here is telegram which may contain news.

[Mr. Holt]

Coming, Mr. Chairman. Yes?

[Charlie Chan]

Ah. Ballistics expert says bullet found embedded in tree was fired from Landini gun. Just as we thought.

[Sheriff Holt]

Well, we already guessed that.

[Ms. Beaton]

I thought it might be something else.

[Charlie Chan]

One step at a time, Ms. Beaton. Patience. And even the crowbar dragged in the sand will eventually become knitting needle. Come, Mr. Holt. I shall lead you to lunch table.

[Mr. Holt]

Thank you, Mr. Chan. You know, Mr. Chan, I've been wondering about something in this case.

[Sheriff Holt]

You were saying, Leslie, that Cash asked you to go horseback riding with him? This afternoon?

[Ms. Beaton]

Yes.

[Sheriff Holt]

First thing he'll do is ask you to ride up to that clearing where we went the other day. I wish it was kind of favor to me that you wouldn't.

[Ms. Beaton]

But what shall I tell Cash?

[Sheriff Holt]

Well, tell him you've been there already.

[Ms. Beaton]

But Cash isn't the thought to be put off with an excuse like that.

[Sheriff Holt]

Yeah, I know it. Doggone it, I wish I could say things like I want to. Somehow, I just haven't got the words. Cash can say it. He'd more than likely tell you that you're the prettiest girl he's seen around these parts.

[Ms. Beaton]

He has already? Yes, several times.

[Sheriff Holt]

Yeah. Cash is a fast worker. He got engaged to three different girls last summer.

[Ms. Beaton]

You mean he's fickle?

[Sheriff Holt]

Well, you know those fellows that talk.

[Ms. Beaton]

A lot, yet the strong, silent ones have their difficulties. Like perhaps explaining what I'm to say to Keshe when he asks me to go riding to that clearing.

[Charlie Chan]

You.

[Sheriff Holt]

You might tell him that you're going to marry me.

[Ms. Beaton]

But would that be the truth?

[Sheriff Holt]

Well, I know you haven't seen the county seat yet.

[Ms. Beaton]

No, but I have seen the sheriff.

[Charlie Chan]

You.

[Sheriff Holt]

You mean that.

[Ms. Beaton]

I guess. That is, I reckon I do.

[Narrator]

Golly.

[Sheriff Holt]

Did you tell Cash that you're going to marry me?

[Ms. Beaton]

Don't. Don't you think you ought to. To ask me first?

[Narrator]

Inspector Chan, seated in the study with Sheriff Holt and the sheriff's father, Sam Holt, discussed the question of AH Singh's identification of the gun.

[Charlie Chan]

Before we exercise our tongues in an effort to learn from Cecile why she withheld information, I think, yes, perhaps it is better that we consider importance of AH Singh's identification of.45, which.45 we are agreed he could not possibly have mistaken for Madame Landini.

[Sheriff Holt]

I've been thinking a good deal about that, Inspector, and, well, there's only one thing I can think of.

[Charlie Chan]

Yes, sir?

[Sheriff Holt]

A Singh mistook it for the.45 you found down at the house where Swann was murdered.

[Mr. Holt]

Yes, sir. That's about the way I look at it. And since the gun you found was the one used to kill not only Swann, but. But Landini, who would be most likely to recognize it?

[Sheriff Holt]

The man who owned it.

[Charlie Chan]

Of course, we feel that your conclusions are in part justified. But must submit that such reasoning, while perfectly logical, is not admissible in court of law.

[Mr. Holt]

You're right there, Mr. Chan. No prosecuting attorney would risk pressing a charge on that evidence.

[Charlie Chan]

To be perfectly frank, while I agree with you in conclusion, I am puzzled as to why Mr. Romano should deny knowledge of guns when he knows that investigation would reveal that he had served with Italian forces during World War. It was very foolish denial.

[Mr. Holt]

Isn't it possible, though, Mr. Chan, that Romano might not even have thought of his services in connection with your question?

[Charlie Chan]

Yes, Mr. Holt, possible. And if so, clearly indicates that Mr. Romano is not guilty person?

[Sheriff Holt]

By the way, Inspector, have you learned anything yet from the book Landini was writing when she was murdered?

[Charlie Chan]

It is so far very interesting, very delightful. Landini appears from the pages of her book a very different person than one would gather from listening to comments of her various and varied husbands.

[Mr. Holt]

I remember her when she first came here as a bride of Dudley Ward. A more delightful young woman you'd hardly expect to meet.

[Charlie Chan]

Return to business. Our immediate task is to find that single fact which will explain for us the connection between the pink scarf belonging to Leslie Beaton being found in the dead woman's hand, the red lid on the yellow box. Yellow lid on the red box and the blue fuzz from the blanket on the arm of the chair. And.

[Sheriff Holt]

And, Inspector.

[Charlie Chan]

And Ah Singh's willingness, almost eagerness, to claim.45 as his, then his almost immediate denial.

[Sheriff Holt]

That's the part I don't get at all. Why should he claim it in the first place because he thought it was his? I don't think so. Not after the way he has consistently denied all the other things we charged him with.

[Charlie Chan]

When one hunts the fox, it is well to attempt to think as the fox thinks. Let us place ourselves in situation in which AH Singh found himself when he saw.45 lying on top of death.

[Mr. Holt]

Well, his first thought would be, well, they found the gun.

[Sheriff Holt]

And his next thought would be to deny that it was his gun, not to admit it.

[Charlie Chan]

However, that is what AH Singh did not do. What then was his reason? Suppose for a moment, if you please, that AH Singh did not kill Landini. Then recognition of said gun as his would in his eyes in no way incriminate him as he would be aware of fact that his gun had not been used at least to commit murder.

[Mr. Holt]

And he might for a moment think that it had been discovered that his gun had been used to fire the misleading shot after Landini's death.

[Sheriff Holt]

But that's impossible, dad. No one could mistake that.45 for that gun of Landini's.

[Mr. Holt]

But if AR Singh didn't know anything about the affair at all, suppose he is innocent. He wouldn't know which gun was which.

[Charlie Chan]

Correct, Mr. Ho. And do not forget, please, that Ah Singh did not examine.45 sufficiently closely to Determine whether or not it had ever been fired.

[Sheriff Holt]

Then AH Singh's recognition of that gun could be as much in his favor as it is against him.

[Charlie Chan]

Quite so, Sheriff. But there is another explanation of AH Singh's contradictory attitude. It could mean that arsing went to the study. Come in. Please. Sit down, Ms. Beaton, please.

[Cecile]

Thank you.

[Charlie Chan]

Sheriff, will you ask the seal to step into study, please? Also, Mr. Ryder. Thank you so much.

[Ms. Beaton]

You seem very serious, Mr. Chan.

[Charlie Chan]

I am, Ms. Beaton. I. I am going to ask of you a favor.

[Ms. Beaton]

Why, certainly, Mr. Chance.

[Charlie Chan]

You.

[Ms. Beaton]

You don't really have to ask, you know.

[Charlie Chan]

But I am remindful that between friends, frequent reproofs make friendship distant.

[Ms. Beaton]

If you mean that you are to reprove me for something, then I assure you that it could never affect our friendship.

[Charlie Chan]

That is Indeed heartening admission, Ms. Beaton. You are to marry, Sheriff. After much thought expended upon matter, I have determined to say this to you before many hours have passed. Go to youthful sheriff and confess to him that you have been withholding vital piece of information.

[Cecile]

But, Mr. Cherry, please.

[Charlie Chan]

Please hear me out. Confess to him that you have acted foolishly, if loyally. I much prefer that you tell him what you know than I tell him what I surmise.

[Mr. Holt]

I may say nothing more now. Here he comes at Cecil.

[Charlie Chan]

Please sit down, Cecile.

[Cecile]

Yes, Monsieur Chen?

[Charlie Chan]

I told you before lunch, Cecil, that I wished explanation from you as to why you did not tell either sheriff or so that you saw someone creeping down back stairs in dead of night.

[Cecile]

Monsieur Chan, I tell you before I am scare. I ask my husband to speak to you and ask if I cannot leave Pine View. I do not sleep anymore. I am afraid that I will be the next one to be killed.

[Sheriff Holt]

And why should you fear that, Cecile?

[Cecile]

Do not ask me, monsieur. Sheriff, I have the feeling why must I stay here? I know nothing. I was.

[Charlie Chan]

That, Cecil is where we disagree with you. Had you always told the truth without urging, the sheriff might have seen his way clear to allow you to leave Pine View. But you must admit that you have had information which you did not see fit to tell us. The penalty to steal for telling an untruth is that no matter how much you may protest, in the end the strictest truth will not be believed.

[Cecile]

I did not mean to do wrong, Monsieur Chan. I ask my husband. You speak, Mr. Chan. He tell me he do that. Then I say, speak, Mr. Ward. Perhaps Mr. Ward can. Can what you say persuade Mr. Chan to let me leave Pine View.

[Sheriff Holt]

Your husband spoke to Mr. Ward?

[Cecile]

My husband, Issa. You come speak with Mr. Ward yourself. I say tomorrow I speak to him then. That night I have feeling of someone in my room. I wake, switch on light, no one is there. But I hear backstairs creak. I. I open door, take one quick look. I see someone. Then I go back to bed.

[Charlie Chan]

You told all of this to Mr. Ward?

[Cecile]

Yes, monsieur. I tell him.

[Charlie Chan]

And Mr. Ward said what, Cecile?

[Cecile]

Monsieur. You. You understand I must work for Monsieur Ward. If you do not give me or my husband good recommendation, we cannot get other position.

[Charlie Chan]

If you wish us to understand, Cecile, that what you say is in confidence, I am certain that in as far as the law permits us, we do so. Am I correct, Sheriff?

[Sheriff Holt]

Right, Inspector.

[Charlie Chan]

Very well, Cecile.

[Cecile]

I. I tell Mr. Ward everything. I tell him that it is Monsieur Ryder I see on back stairs. Monsieur Ward, he say.

[Charlie Chan]

Yes?

[Cecile]

He say, better that you do not mention this to Inspector Chan. It will perhaps prolong unnecessarily. I think he say it might prolong unnecessarily the investigation.

[Charlie Chan]

Thank you so much, Cecile. We shall respect your confidence. Perhaps. Yes, Perhaps better that you go now before we invite Mr. Ryder to give his explanation of the affair.

[Cecile]

Thank you, Monsieur Chen, for understanding.

[Charlie Chan]

Did you see Mr. Ryder?

[Sheriff Holt]

Yeah, he said he'd be right up.

[Ms. Beaton]

I can understand Cecile's attitude. I've worked for men who. Well, who gave you to understand that they practically owned you while you were drawing your salary. But then Mr. Ward never gave me that impression.

[Charlie Chan]

But at present you are guest of Mr. Ward, not paid servant.

[Ms. Beaton]

Yes, that's true, Inspector.

[Mr. Ryder]

You wanted to see me, Chan, I believe.

[Charlie Chan]

Correct, Mr. Ryder. Can you explain what you were doing last night?

[Mr. Ryder]

I can.

[Charlie Chan]

What? If you please.

[Mr. Ryder]

I played billiards with Dudley until 11:10. Had a nightcap and went to my room. I read for about 20 minutes and then went to bed.

[Charlie Chan]

You did not leave your room again, Mrs. Ryder?

[Mr. Ryder]

I did not.

[Sheriff Holt]

You're absolutely positive of that, Ryder?

[Charlie Chan]

Be careful, Mr. Ryder. Take your time in answering.

[Mr. Ryder]

Say, what is this? Has somebody else been murdered and I don't know about it?

[Charlie Chan]

Please, Mr. Rider. At present we are doing questioning. We await your answer. Did you or did you not leave your room and go down backstairs last night?

[Mr. Ryder]

I did not.

[Charlie Chan]

That is your final word, Mr. Ryder.

[Mr. Ryder]

My only and final word. Chan, now or at any time, what.

[Narrator]

Significance lies behind John Ryder's denial? Or is Cecile trying to hide something by throwing suspicion upon Ryder? We'll have to leave it to Inspector Chan to determine. After you have heard from your sponsor. Inspector Chan will be with us again.

[Charlie Chan]

Sam.

[Narrator]

Well, Mr. Chan, what thought have you for us this evening?

[Charlie Chan]

Mr. Welsh, I have been thinking of deceitful answers given by so many witnesses at Pine View. Ancient Chinese saying has it that one cannot tell by looking at basket whether it contained rubbish or precious stone. So it is with man. Outward appearance is not indication of whether he is honest or dishonest. That is something only to be learned by critical observation. Sam.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. The case for prosecuting a Sing would lead to one of those tests where an unstoppable force meets an unmovable object. Where the ability of juries to hand down convictions on the flimsiest of circumstantial evidence would run into the ability of wealthy people to hire high priced lawyers or who can get cases with solid evidence thrown out of court. I think the Sheriff's proposal to Ms. Beaton is a little premature given that she still hasn't been cleared of wrongdoing. Although I don't think there's much chance she did the murder. In his defense. That deputy of his moves really fast. And so it's like it's competitive pressure. If you wait for all the niceties and proprieties, it's just not gonna happen. So you got to pop the question before the other guy. But then, of course, you have Chan revealing that he'd surmised that she'd hidden a key fact. But because Charlie Chan's such a great guy, he's giving her a chance to make it right. I will say she's not alone in lying. And while I'm in sympathy with Inspector Chan's lecture to Cecile, the truth is that if Cecile had been telling the truth and been forthcoming, it'd be hard for Chan to know. Because by my count, the only one in the house who has not been in some way trying to deceive Chan and the sheriff is Hugh Beaton. And we could still learn something about that. We have seven parts of this serial to go. One thing I do think is kind of working against these lies is that there are so many lies going on that it's hard for at least some of the truth to not start to come out. And once you get some of the truth, then you tend to get all of the truth. Although Charlie Chan's not quite there yet. All right, well, listener comments and feedback now. And Nicholas writes. Hi, Adam. I'm enjoying Charlie Chan, although it's hard to do so when I remember that the lead actor is basically doing the audio equivalent of blood Blackface. And I'm glad you've addressed that on your show. It's still possible to enjoy things and be mindful of their negative qualities. I have a little quibble about the show name, which shows up on the feed as Blind Man's Bluff. While that's a common enough pronunciation nowadays, the name was originally called Blind Man's Buff with no l, which is also how it is pronounced in the episode. Regarding the mystery, my theory is that everyone in the house, including the kindly old sheriff, teamed up to kill Landini and Charlie Chan is the only one who wasn't in on it. And that's from Nicholas and Berkeley. Well, taking your last point first, Nicholas, the idea that Agatha Christie might have been ripping off Earl Der Biggers with her solution is certainly a thought. Although I think the broader point, this definitely feels in many ways the same sort of style as an Agatha Christie mystery. And of course they were contemporaries of each other. Although I don't think anyone would argue that Biggers was as talented as miss Christie and sadly, he did not live nearly as long. As to your first point, I think it is always a very difficult thing to evaluate older work by modern standards without understanding their context. Like there is an entirely different conversation around, say, Al Jolson's use of blackface versus modern use of blackface. And I think there's an even bigger difference when it comes to Charlie Chan. And this serial may provide some of the best illustration of that. It is one of the earliest radio programs we've played on this podcast, but without going over the top, it has probably had more discussion of racial issues than anything we've ever played outside of some of the Superman versus the Clan stuff we played on the old time radio Superman show, but that was after the Second World War. This is really unique stuff for the era. It has a lot of focus on how Charlie Chan feels about many of these racial issues and this sort of place that he found himself not fully fitting in to either the typical Chinese or typical American world. And that sort of difficulty of identity, I mean, you don't really find those sort of discussions of the feelings and complex emotions of minority characters, particularly written by white author. And what I like about the Landini murder case is it just does show all these facets to Chan's character as Biggers created him. And it illustrates why I think he remained so very popular for so many decades with so many people in the Chinese American community. K. Luke, who played number one, played the number one son in the Charlie Chan films, said he was a Chinese hero and certainly that's why K. Luke was willing to play the character in the 70s animated series. But there are, you know, more modern criticisms of Charlie Chan as a character of the films, and certainly the casting choices. But I think it's possible to just acknowledge that, but still see what is really good and beautiful about the series and what made it popular and caused it to connect with audiences and causes it to connect to certain audiences to this day. As to the point about Blind Man's Buff, that's a fair point. And you know, I think that one thing that will happen is sometimes, particularly if something is slightly different, your mind. Well, at least my mind will go ahead and fill in the familiar phrase. And so I did not catch that. But fair catch, I will say. In terms of the title that we enter on Apple, I tend to stick to what the popularly accepted Old Time Radio community name for an episode is because I'm not trying to add to the confusion that's out there. And particularly with something like Blind Man's Buff versus Blind Man's Bluff, that that's why that'll end up that way in the title. But I appreciate the comments. And now it's time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day. And I want to thank Timothy, patreon Supporter since April 2022, currently supporting the podcast at the rookie level of $2 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support, Timothy. And that will do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And if you're enjoying the podcast on YouTube, be sure to like the video, subscribe to the channel and mark the not bell, all those great things that help YouTube channels to grow. We will be back next Tuesday with another installment in the Landini murder case. But join us back here tomorrow for Broadway's My Beat, where you're the law.

[Mr. Welsh]

Huh? Work at it. Working now, aren't you? I've got something to do with it. You got a fighter named Jack Jono.

[Mr. Holt]

Ah, sweet kid.

[Mr. Welsh]

Sweet fighter.

[Mr. Holt]

Danny Fast.

[Mr. Welsh]

He'll come. He'll be there when he learns. He won't learn. He's dead. Oh, come on. Danny dead. Murdered in alley. I told him. I told him. What are you going to do with a kid like that after all? I told him. What'd you tell him? What did I tell him? To behave himself, to keep his nose clean.

[Charlie Chan]

A kid like that.

[Mr. Welsh]

Like what? Young, you know what I mean. A comer. Future. All he knows is what's in his fist. How do you keep him out of trouble. He gets in the ring and looks over his shoulder to see how many women are in the audience. Then he proceeds. You know what I mean? Not exactly, Mr. Foy. Women. Jack. Jono. Got along, huh? Got along. What are you going to do with a kid like that? What? Women with ears, Buster. He could pick and chew. Did he?

[Mr. Holt]

Yeah.

[Charlie Chan]

Yeah, he did.

[Mr. Welsh]

With red hair. Jenny Dorset. Jenny Dorset. I met a man named Billy Dorset tonight. You met Jenny's husband? What's left of him. He used to be good. Now there's only what's left of him.

[Mr. Holt]

Know what I mean?

[Mr. Welsh]

What do I find Jenny? I'll write it down for you, Denny. I told him to keep his nose clean. What do you do with a kid like that?

[Adam Graham]

I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to box Thirteenreatetectives.net Follow us on Twitter at radiodetectives and check us out on Instagram. Instagram.com from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.